‘Jon Jones Can Go First’- Jairzinho Rozenstruik Makes a Big Statement on UFC Heavyweight Title

Published 02/25/2021, 8:30 PM EST

UFC heavyweight, Jairzinho Rozenstruik, spoke to reporters ahead of his main event match-up that goes down on February 27. ‘Bigi Boy’ takes on prospect Ciryl Gane, who is surging right up the ranks of the heavyweight division. The winner of the fight will be just a jump step away from a title shot once things clear out at the top.

Jairzinho Rozenstruik has been at the very of his game in the UFC thus far. He has scalped wins over Alistair Overeem and Junior Dos Santos and showcased his kickboxing prowess. However, the 20 second KO loss he suffered to Francis Ngannou sticks out like a sore thumb. Rozenstruik will be keen to run things back and put everything in order.

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The Surinamese fighter is at the very top of the division as it stands, however, he’s not keen to fight for the belt right away. In fact, Rozenstruik said that he has no qualms about Jon Jones leapfrogging the other contenders for a title shot. Chiefly, this viewpoint is rather rare, especially in the upper echelon of a division.

“For me, it doesn’t matter,” Rozenstruik told reporters, including MMA Junkie, on Wednesday at UFC Fight Night 186 media day. “I want to win, and I’m looking for a quick turnaround. I want to fight more before I fight for a title, so Jon Jones can go first.”

Jairzinho Rozenstruik just wants to be in the octagon

Jairzinho Rozenstruik explained that activity was the key to his success going forward. He touched on a sentiment felt by a large portion of the MMA community that included the frustrations of an inactive 2020. However, with a fight to book-end February, ‘Bigi Boy’ will expect to turn things around.

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He said, “I want to be ready for the title fight, and I don’t think I’m ready right now,” Rozenstruik explained. “Why I’m saying that? I want to get going, I want to be in the washing machine, be in the octagon, get that feeling – especially after last year, it was a really bad year for all of us.”

“I can speak for a lot of fighters, too. I’m a fighter who likes to be busy – three or four fights a year. I had two fights (last year) because of the pandemic, so it took a little longer to get back in the octagon.”

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The heavyweight title will be contested next month between Stipe Miocic and Francis Ngannou in a rematch. While it’s established that Jon Jones is next, it’s critical that Rozenstruik comes out on top against Ciryl Gane. The winner of the aforementioned scrap will probably go on to face Derrick Lewis in a number one contender bout.

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Darryl Pinto is a senior MMA writer at EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his graduate degree in Mass Media (with a specialization in Journalism) out of Xavier’s College and has a year's experience in his current role. Darryl specializes in predictions, reporting, and covering UFC events live.

‘Jon Jones Can Go First’- Jairzinho Rozenstruik Makes a Big Statement on UFC Heavyweight Title

Jairzinho Rozenstruik just wants to be in the octagon

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